May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, an opportunity to discover and celebrate Jewish culture, faith and history, as well as the tremendous contributions of Jewish communities to our country’s social, political and economic fabric!
Canada is home to a vibrant Jewish population of roughly 400,000 people, making it one of the largest Jewish communities worldwide. Jewish Canadians have long helped shape our country, contributing meaningfully to fields such as health care, scientific research, social justice, charitable work, journalism, the arts, and business. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the strength, perseverance, and enduring spirit of Jewish communities, past and present.
It's also a time to acknowledge that Jewish communities in Canada and across the globe are experiencing a disturbing increase in antisemitism, hatred, and discrimination. Such hostility has no place in our society. Addressing and opposing antisemitism is a responsibility we all share, and it requires us to speak out and take action wherever hate appears.
The month of May also has special significance for Jewish communities around the world as it often coincides with the holiday of Shavuot, the “Feast of Weeks,” which celebrates the Spring harvest and commemorates the gift of the Torah.
For information and resources on Jewish Heritage Month in Canada, visit Library Archives Canada.
This year at MPL, we are collaborating with Temple Har Zion in Thornhill. Join us at Thornhill Village Library on Tuesday, May 26th 2pm for a talk by Temple Har Zion's Rabbi Weiss about Klezmer music and its role in Jewish Life. After the discussion, we will move outdoors into the beautiful garden (weather permitting!) for a musical performance and refreshments. We would love to welcome you there! Please check out our events calendar for more information and registration.
Check out the reading list below for more learning.
Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with a selection of children's books by Jewish Canadian authors and nonfiction titles that explore Jewish culture, identity, and history.
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